Main Event IV: M1A1 vs. Schwerpunkt

[Ratzki]

Below is a copy of the map that we are playing on. It is 880m x 880m. This is the view frome the German side. There are 3 large flags and 3 smaller flags up for graps(reresented by the two sizes of orange circles). The game is a 2000 point ME, 1942, Oct. North. There is a strong cold wind blowing across the battlefield, but the conditions are dry. Ther Redwolf armour rules are in effect for this time period, that limits the German purchase somewhat, but the time of the big guns looms not far off and there should be more then enough to keep us entertained. The force mix is unrestricted, Infantry.

Mr X has sent me his first message:
I chose the following: 2 PzKw IVG plus the bonus(I gave each player one Crack tank unit)
1 Marder II
1 Rifle Btn '42a1
105mm spotter
2 PAK
1 LMG Very basic kit.
I was limited in choices for armor and the tanks that I know can fight a KV1 or T-34 were ruled out. I did have some options though so I went with the Pz IVG's. I also got a Marder II. I was nervous about it since the damned things are so fragile, but it sports that 76.2mm gun and will give me that mobile gun platform I could use. The 105 spotter was expensive, but it has the ability to interdict movement, destroy platoons, light vehicles and a better chance of immobilizing AFVs. I have been using it more since my return and have been happy with the results - ask Herr Oberst, Enven, Wombat and Ratzki! The infantry battalion is an infantry battalion, but I love the infantry! 10 man squads with rifles and some LMG's. They also have the organic mortar spotter and 50mm mortars as well as a good number of HMG. I considered getting individual Companies, but chose the Btn, getting the Officers to attach to my heavy weapons. No sharpshooters! We were limited in quality for purchases so I did not want to waste the money on Reg. snipers...
SETUP The map is tight. Fairly flat, with sections of chopped up terrain (sections of trees, scattered trees and pines), making movement there more difficult. There are large sections of open terrain and a slight rise (hill in the middle). The map is small enough so I can look right into large areas of the Marxist swines' setup area. I basically decided to write off the small flag on my far left. Assigned each of the three line companies a large flag. My far right has the mission of taking the large flag by the stone wall, but also setting up a blocking position in the wooded areas to prevent being flanked. M1A1 has a pretty decent avenue of approach along the wooded areas that conveniently point right into my setup zone. With the 35 minutes of battle here, I will attempt to move on that far right flag if firepower/time permits. I found that I can tuck the PzKw IV's into a nice little pocket in my rear left. It gives me a fairly decent LOS into the large open area to my right front. The Marder is set to prevent a flank by armor on the far right as well. I should have enough points with the three big flags, one small one and many burning Russian tanks and prisoners. I know I am the underdog here, and M1A1 has already proclaimed my doom...BUT, I intend to shove a German jackboot right down his throat for you guys. Get your wagers in!